Common And Serious Side Effects Of Statins

Headaches

Headaches are a fairly unusual side effect associated with statins. Doctors believe most of the headaches patients report with statin use could be tension headaches. These types of headaches develop due to muscle contractions, and experts theorize the muscle wasting that can occur while taking statins may be a contributing factor in these headaches. In a study of two hundred patients who used statins, headaches were reported by 16.5 percent of the participants. Recent research suggests vitamin D deficiencies could increase the risk of experiencing severe headaches or migraines from statins. Since severe headaches may indicate an underlying medical issue, patients who experience this side effect should let their healthcare provider know. Patients should ask their doctor about which pain relievers are safest for treating headaches while on statins, and it may be helpful to keep a headache journal that describes symptoms and triggers.

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Rash Or Flushed Skin

The rashes associated with statin use are varied, and they could appear as a tiny patch of flat, pink bumps. They might also be raised and have a purple or reddish color. Itching may or may not be present with the rash. In some cases, the skin becomes very dry and starts to peel, and skin blistering has occurred in rare instances. Anecdotal evidence suggests flushed skin on the face due to statins could look like a sunburn. Rashes are more likely to occur with statin use in female patients over sixty years old, and studies have found rheumatoid arthritis patients and those who use Aspirin and statins together are both at an elevated risk of developing a rash. Scientists believe rashes and skin flushing could be a sign of hypersensitivity to statins, and patients taking these medications should have skin changes evaluated promptly. It may be necessary to discontinue the statin for a short time or switch to another type of statin to correct the issue.

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